Bear Activity: October 8 to 14, 2010

The following summary is based upon a compilation of bear information provided by government agencies and unconfirmed sightings reported by the public over the last week. It is not intended to be used as a real time, complete record of where bears are in the valley.

BEARS CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!

Be aware of your surroundings, know how to reduce the likelihood of encounters, and be prepared should an encounter take place. Always use caution by paying attention to signs of bear activity such as scats, tracks, and digging. Make lots of noise while hiking; hike in groups when possible; carry pepper spray; and obey closures.

Education Tidbit

Most, if not all, of the local radio collared grizzly bears have moved up into the alpine to feed on roots and corms and begin preparing den sites. Black bears on the other hand are still moving about the valley bottom taking advantage of last minute feeding opportunities. This includes ornamental fruit trees in residential areas. There have been numerous reports of bear sightings, scat or broken fruit trees by residents this week. Much of this activity appears to be occurring at night or in the early morning hours.

Bear Activity Trends

There was grizzly bear activity reported in Canmore Nordic Centre and Wind Valley Zones this week. Black bears were reported in Georgetown, Rundleview, North Canmore, South Canmore, South Industrial and TSR Resort Zones this week

Important Notes

Black bears continue to utilize valley bottom areas. As natural foods become less abundant, bears are shifting to ornamentals.

What is this?The above tag cloud is a visual depiction of Zones used for reporting Bear & Wildlife Activity. The bigger the font, the more activity. Click on any Zone to view all related Activity Reports.